Recipes Courses Beverages How to Make a Kapha Ayurvedic Tea By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard Fogoros, MD on September 13, 2016 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywell's Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Review Board Richard Fogoros, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 Print Hero Images/Getty Images (31 ratings) Total Time: 10 min Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 5 min Servings: 1 Nutrition Highlights (per serving) 0 calories 0g fat 0g carbs 0g protein Show Nutrition Label Hide Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings: 1 Amount per serving Calories 0 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0g 0% Saturated Fat 0g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 0mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 0g 0% Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Total Sugars 0g Includes 0g Added Sugars 0% Protein 0g Vitamin D 0mcg 0% Calcium 0mg 0% Iron 0mg 0% Potassium 0mg 0% *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. In Ayurveda (a form of alternative medicine that originated in India), there are three main body types, or doshas, known as Kapha, Vata, and Pitta. A person with excess Kapha may tend to feel cold, tired, sluggish, and have difficulty waking up in the morning. According to the principles of Ayurveda, excess Kapha may lead to poor circulation, congestion, digestive concerns, and weight gain, and can contribute to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, allergies, and depression. Ayurvedic practitioners typically suggest a diet that emphasizes cooked vegetables to soothe excess Kapha. Heavy, oily foods such as hard cheese, cream, and pastries are generally avoided, as are foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. Additionally, a tea is typically recommended, made with pungent, Kapha-balancing spices such as turmeric, ginger, and cardamom to combat congestion, support digestion, boost circulation, and detoxify. Despite its long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, Kapha tea and its health effects haven't been tested in scientific studies. Herbs in Kapha Tea If you're looking for a Kapha-balancing tea, you'll likely notice that there isn't a standard herbal blend or recipe. Any blend that includes herbs and spices that are pungent, bitter, astringent, heating, or spicy may be used, with other ingredients added for taste. Ingredients thought to benefit and balance the Kapha type include ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cumin, fennel, black pepper, saffron, peppermint, tulsi, anise, licorice, and fenugreek. Hot ginger tea, for instance, is thought to aid digestion and cleanse the body, so it is often recommended for Kapha types. Kaphas should avoid sweet food, so tea is best left unsweetened. If a sweetener is added, honey is considered one of the most appropriate sweeteners. Ingredients 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger 1 clove 1/4 teaspoon dill seed 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seed 1 cup boiling water Preparation Mix the ginger, clove, dill seed, and fenugreek seed together. Add the boiling water to the herb and spice mixture. Steep for 5 minutes, covered. Strain and discard the herb and spice mixture and serve hot. A Word of Warning Before You Try Kapha Tea If you're thinking of trying Kapha tea, there are a few things you should know: While most people can enjoy the occasional cup now and then, avoid drinking excessive amounts (of any type of tea) or using it as a substitute for standard treatment.The herbs in different teas vary, so be sure to check the ingredients in each type of herbal tea you try. Licorice, for instance, contains glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhizin, which may cause high blood pressure and other adverse effects.It's a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before trying any herb to weigh the pros and cons and to see whether it's appropriate for you. Be sure to tell him about any new symptoms or health concerns such as fatigue, allergies, or weight gain.Pregnant or nursing women and children shouldn't drink Kapha tea. Rate this Recipe You've already rated this recipe. Thanks for your rating! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get simple, delicious recipes to help you eat well without feeling deprived. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit